How to use butt connectors

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Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=11277
Printed Date: August 20, 2025 at 9:23 PM

Topic: How to use butt connectors

Posted By: Suppy7
Subject: How to use butt connectors
Date Posted: March 22, 2003 at 2:03 PM

I just cant ever get them to give me a good connection.... goin from 22 to 26 gauge, elec what am I doing wrong???

Replies:

Posted By: copcarguy
Date Posted: March 22, 2003 at 4:29 PM

what type of crimpers are you using? The bozo type that look like two semi-ovals are useless. Go to your local electrical supply house and purchase a pair of Kline electrical crimpers also known as stakon crimpers. They usually have one red and one black handle. Also be sure to use good crimp connectors of the seamless variety and of the correct size for your wire. I use 3M exclusively, they are a little more expensive but won't let you down.
Hope this helps. posted_image

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R Jackson
Owner/Installer
TRM Emergency Vehicles
Information is advice only and should be confirmed with OEM or quality test equipment.
Boyertown, Pennsylvania

Posted By: Suppy7
Date Posted: March 23, 2003 at 2:36 PM

see, I live in a place where 3M connectors are nowhere!!! but I would kill for some!!!

Posted By: copcarguy
Date Posted: March 23, 2003 at 3:15 PM

Where are you located? I purchase my materials from Tessco @ www.tessco.com.
They have all types of 12 volt supplies. They specialize in the two-way radio market but have a good bit of selection.

Alternately I use a local distributor in our area who deals one on one with you and has competitive prices and would be glad to take an order over the phone. They do not carry 3M but have comparable connectors which are seamless.

Kelly Industrial Supply Inc.
Phone 610.429.8266

Ask for Brandt and tell him I referred you.

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R Jackson
Owner/Installer
TRM Emergency Vehicles
Information is advice only and should be confirmed with OEM or quality test equipment.
Boyertown, Pennsylvania

Posted By: TomEllis
Date Posted: March 24, 2003 at 12:29 PM

I have not trusted any type of crimp connector for a long time.
What I do is crimp the butt connector on the wire and then solder it. If the butt connector has an insulation on it, I cut the insulation off.
I then put heat shrink tube over the connection.
This makes a good connection and clean.
Tom

Posted By: speedwayaudio1
Date Posted: March 24, 2003 at 1:00 PM

thats a lot of work. just use a good crimping tool. and pay for good connectors. don't get the cheap flea market stuff. posted_image

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Big Dave

Posted By: copcarguy
Date Posted: March 24, 2003 at 1:26 PM

Amen brother!!!
Thanks for the support posted_image

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R Jackson
Owner/Installer
TRM Emergency Vehicles
Information is advice only and should be confirmed with OEM or quality test equipment.
Boyertown, Pennsylvania

Posted By: securinu
Date Posted: March 24, 2003 at 7:15 PM

3M nylon connectors + Snap-on Crimpers = Lifetime Quality Connection. Cost more up front but you wont have a stranded unhappy customer so you tell me which way is cheaper. copcarguy email me info on your 3m supplier i can probably get them way cheaper for you .

securinu@attbi.com

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Joe O'Byrne
Owner / Installer

Posted By: Powerslave0
Date Posted: March 25, 2003 at 7:10 AM

I crimp phone wire all the time. I actually use the cutting edge of Lineman's pliers to cimp, but it takes practice so you don't actually cut it. . .

I clao use Diagnals, but use the flat surface area behind the that, where handles come into the round jointed part, and squeeze.

When I do the first one, my splices never come apart unless someone tugs on the wire while making a circular motion. . .